Lapel Mic Buying Advice?

Eldor

Member Location: Montreal, Canada Joined: Feb 27, 2015 10:13 Messages: 112 Offline

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Mar 18, 2015 12:16

If I'm going to do instructional-type videos, I'm going to need to do better than relying on the mic in the camera(s) to capture sound. Even with the kind help of the folks on the AudioDirector board, my poor audio track couldn't be edited, and Jl-Jl (Jeff) suggested I get a lapel mic.

I'm not a pro... just a passionate amateur, so I don't want to spend the money really professional gear would cost.

Do any of you have recommendations for something reasonably good? Is the best idea a wireless lapel mic? Would the receiver be connected to one of the cameras, or is the audio recorded separately and then added later?

I saw this on the B&H website, and I hope I won't have to spend quite that much but I could be convinced to if you all think it's good: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999979-REG/polsen_cam_2w_g1_2_channel_vhf_camera_mount.html

Thanks for any suggestions.

stevek

Senior Contributor Location: Houston, Texas USA Joined: Jan 25, 2011 12:18 Messages: 4663 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 14:08

What camcordewr are you using? See if there is an external directional mic for it. I have one for may Sony and it works well. .
.
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BarryTheCrab

Senior Contributor Location: USA Joined: Nov 06, 2008 22:18 Messages: 6240 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 14:27

It is similar to my 2 channel Azden, and has good reviews, tho only 9 of them. You can get my model for about the same, and I love it, but if you can afford a better/sturdier one, go for it. Wireless is great.

If you do an interview, a directional mic will give you hollow sound unless you stick it in the subject's face, trust me.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Mar 18. 2015 14:39

HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
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Eldor

Member Location: Montreal, Canada Joined: Feb 27, 2015 10:13 Messages: 112 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 14:39

What about using my iPhone and something like the Rode SmartLav+... supposedly pretty good audio quality and less expensive than one of the wireless options and with the advantage of not having to worry about wireless range, interference, etc.

Anyone here have experience with that one?

BarryTheCrab

Senior Contributor Location: USA Joined: Nov 06, 2008 22:18 Messages: 6240 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 14:46

I am unfamiliar with that choice. HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

ynotfish

Senior Contributor Location: N.S.W. Australia Joined: May 08, 2009 02:06 Messages: 9977 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 15:15

Hi Eldor -

A wireless lavalier is a good choice, especially for interviews & instructional videos, but I can't offer any particular recommendations. Other more experienced forum members will do that better. I personally have little need for that, so I haven't investigated much. Others here have done quite extensive testing.

A couple of videos that may provide some guidance - https://youtu.be/lGuBCyt-KOs & https://youtu.be/0gy60tRaWNY

Cheers - Tony
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Eldor

Member Location: Montreal, Canada Joined: Feb 27, 2015 10:13 Messages: 112 Offline

Mar 18, 2015 15:33

Thank you Barry and Tony.

You guys are terrific!

I'm going the cheaper route for now... I've ordered the Rode SmartLav+ and should receive it by Friday, maybe even tomorrow if their overnight delivery can be believed.

$100, and it supposedly gives broadcast quality audio.

And if I later see the need for a wireless lapel mic, well, I can always use this to record meetings, etc.

I'll be sure to report back here with my impressions.

Cheers!